When was the last time that you visited a sports field, whether that be a professional one, a high school one, or even a community owned one? Depending on who you are and what you like to do in your free time, this may have been quite recently. I want you to think about what that field is made out of. In particular, consider the grass.
What was it made out of? How did it feel to walk on? Finally, do you think that it could have prevented some injuries, or did it only add to the pain of the players? These are things that we may not think about normally, but I am here to remind you that it is actually worthwhile.
It may come as a surprise to some of us that having natural grass and mud beneath our feet while playing a sport is actually quite dangerous, but that is the truth of the matter. Even articles like this one discuss it, since horseback riders and jockeys need to be especially careful with these matters.
Certainly, this is a part of why artificial grass, often called turf, has become quite popular these days. Now, do not get me wrong – it has been used for a long time. However, now we have homeowners and playground designers turning their attention to it as well. What is there to learn about it?
What is Turf?
The artificial grass that we walk through in most stadiums is called turf. It is a form of artificial fibers that are connected together and placed down on the ground. Typically, there are a few layers beneath the surface, just so that it mimics a natural ecosystem as much as possible.
This does make a lot of people question, though –what is the big difference between the two? Obviously, there are plenty, although turf does its best to mimic the natural grass that grows. These are some of the things to watch out for.
The biggest trait that seems to make people value the artificial stuff over the natural is the fact that the former requires much less maintenance. Very few people, if any, actually enjoy doing lawn work for extended periods of time. It is quite dull on top of being physically taxing and demanding, which makes for a fairly shoddy combo, all things considered.
Thankfully, there are a few other options that we can take in terms of keeping it contained and installing it. One example is
on this page, https://www.artificialgrassliquidators.com/, though there are plenty more of course. It is all about finding a provider that works for the needs of you and your family.
Should We Try it?
This is a complex query to respond to, since everyone’s situation is going to be different. Obviously, it will depend on the style of lawn that you have. Additionally, it is difficult to get a guarantee that it will not change in appearance or aesthetics over time.
Do be sure to keep that in mind as you continue reading, since what I have to offer will require a grain of salt. With that said, let me continue. Something that tends to scare people away is worrying about the cost of the turf itself and the installation fees. However, when they realize that it is not actually overly expensive, that removes one of the “excuses” not to make the purchase.
Concerns for nature also seem to arise fairly often. People who have the environment on their minds usually ask if having an artificial grass lawn will hurt the surrounding ecosystem. Thankfully, for the most part the answer will be a “no.” Are you wondering how that is possible?
Well, there are entire fields of study dedicated to studying these materials, since we utilize them so much in public works projects such as parks and sports fields! The professionals in this field are determined to create sustainable plots of turf that do not create harmful side effects. Some of the layers that are not visible to us above ground are able to host microbiomes similar to the ones that we would normally see, if not exactly the same!
So, if those have been your hang-ups in regard to getting turf or not getting it, I do hope that I have shed some light on the truth of the situation. It is certainly a hard choice, and I understand any hesitance. However, there are obviously a lot of factors to take into account as we make our decision.
It is worth talking to your partner (when applicable) if you want to have it installed at your home in the yard. Given the benefits that it can bring to the table, though, you can weigh the pros and the cons before you decide!
